The U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 105, aboard the USS Sampson, seized approximately 1,296 pounds of cocaine from a suspected smuggling vessel in international waters of the Eastern Pacific on August 11, 2025.
This operation underscores U.S. efforts to combat drug trafficking and enhance regional cooperation with Ecuador.
Sea Hawk Helicopter Intercepted the Vessel
On August 11, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 105 successfully intercepted a suspected drug smuggling vessel in the Eastern Pacific.
The operation was conducted aboard the USS Sampson, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer operating under U.S. Northern Command’s maritime homeland defense authorities.
The suspicious vessel was identified by its excessive fuel barrels and visible packaged cargo on deck. Upon receiving authorization, an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 49 was deployed to intercept the fleeing vessel.
Despite attempts to evade capture by jettisoning narcotics overboard, disabling fire from the helicopter halted the vessel without injury.
Regional Cooperation and Strategic Importance
This interdiction highlights ongoing cooperation between the United States and Ecuador under a bilateral agreement aimed at disrupting transnational criminal networks in important maritime corridors.
Such operations are crucial for securing maritime approaches to the U.S., preventing illegal trafficking that fuels domestic crime and violence.
Operation Details
- USS Sampson identified telltale indicators of smuggling activity.
- An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter was launched for interdiction.
- Disabling fire was employed to halt the fleeing vessel safely.
- Twelve bales of cocaine were recovered during boarding operations.
Seizure Outcomes
- Two suspects were taken into custody without incident.
- The unsafe vessel was left to sink due to deteriorating conditions.
- The operation reinforced diplomatic relations with Ecuador.
Additional Reading
Parting Shot
This successful interdiction not only disrupts illegal drug flows but also strengthens international partnerships essential for regional stability and security.
Continued collaboration with countries like Ecuador is vital in combating transnational criminal activities that threaten both national security and economic interests globally.
Sources: U.S. Navy, U.S. Department of Defense, and Navy Times.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
